High-resolution 3D condition survey of a masonry arch bridge using Ground Penetrating Radar

Condition surveying is essential before rehabilitation and modification of a structure. It implies information collection and analysis for structural performance evaluation. Common condition surveying often requires obstructive and invasive techniques that can affect the structure’s integrity. Also, the extent of internal disorders and their distribution in the structure is not obtained. The use of non-destructive techniques combined with external analysis, can provide useful information for structural condition surveying. This paper presents the application of Ground Penetrating Radar for the condition survey of a massive natural stone masonry bridge with twin large span arches. Emphasis is placed on the determination of the condition of the arches. The paper describes the processing steps leading to a high-resolution 3D reconstitution of spatial and structural information for disorder mapping. Benefits and limits of this novel representation method for massive bridge structures will be reviewed

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sleep hygiene education and FITBIT devices on quality of sleep and psychological worry: a pilot quasi-experimental study among first-year college students

BackgroundCollege students report disturbed sleep patterns that can negatively impact their wellbeing and academic performance.ObjectivesThis study examined the effect of a 4-week sleep hygiene program that included sleep education and actigraph sleep trackers (FITBITs) on improving sleep quality and reducing psychological worry without control group.Design, settings, and participantsA pilot quasi-experimental design, participants were randomly selected medical and health sciences from a university students in the United-Arab-Emirates.MethodsStudents were asked to wear FITBITs and log their daily sleep data and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Extensive sleep hygiene education was delivered via lectures, a WhatsApp group, and the Blackboard platform. In total, 50 students completed pre-and post-assessments and returned FITBIT data.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the prevalence of good sleep postintervention compared with pre-intervention (46% vs. 28%; p = 0.0126). The mean PSQI score was significantly lower post-intervention compared with pre-intervention (6.17 ± 3.16 vs. 7.12.87; p = 0.04, Cohen’s d 0.33). After the intervention, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction were significantly improved compared with pre-intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, FITBIT data showed total sleep time and the number of restless episodes per night were significantly improved postintervention compared with pre-intervention (p = 0.013). The mean PSWQ score significantly decreased from pre-intervention to p = 0.049, Cohen’ d = 0.25. The correlation between PSQI and PSWQ scores was significant post-intervention (β = 0.40, p = 0.02).ConclusionOur results may inform university educational policy and curricular reform to incorporate sleep hygiene awareness programs to empower students and improve their sleep habits

Prediction of the creep rupture strength of GFRP bars

•Creep rupture behavior is affected by both fatigue and viscous phenomena.•A statistically-based empirical approach is viable for creep-rupture modelling.•Mean creep rupture strength of investigated GFRP bars is equal to 65%–69% UTS.•The creep rupture knock-down factor of investigated GFRP bars is equal to 0.46. The experimental portion of this study presents the results of an investigation into the unconditioned creep rupture strength of two different types of 12.7 mm GFRP bar both made with vinylester resin and ECR glass fibers but with different surface enhancements. An overview of the behavior and performance of FRP composites and bars under sustained load is discussed to determine whether a statistically-based empirical approach represents a viable method for the definition of a safe value of creep rupture strength. A refined approach to data handling and the extrapolation of a safe value of creep rupture strength is discussed, including statistical considerations. Results show that the creep rupture knock-down factor prescribed by current design guidelines is conservative when designing using the GFRP bars considered in this study. The surface preparation of the two types of GFRP bar has an effect on their tensile strength, but no additional influence on their creep rupture performance

A Case of Compartment Syndrome in the Scrotum and Inguinal Area Complicating Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome of Childhood

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a kidney disease characterized by massive proteinuria. Protein loss leads to decreased oncotic pressure shifting the fluids into the interstitial space causing edema, complications such as infections and thromboembolism occur. We report a 7-year-old, diagnosed with NS presenting with a relapse. He developed ascites and scrotal edema followed by severe scrotal pain and redness, progressing rapidly to ecchymosis in the inguinal areas not in continuity with the scrotum. Ultrasound with color Doppler was inconclusive, scrotal exploration was done along with skin incision in the inguinal areas and scrotum, which appeared to relieve the condition rapidly

Advanced Uropathy in a Child With Underactive Bladder: Unusual Presentation, Treatment, and Long-term Follow Up

Underactive bladder in children is characterized by low voiding frequency; straining, hypotonic high capacity bladder, and significant residual urine. The usual presentation is recurrent urinary tract infections. Accurate evidence-based diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Subjective and objective improvement and regain of normal voiding can be achieved in response to bladder rehabilitation program and correction of serious complications

Levels of natural radioactivity in mineral and thermal waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina

With gamma spectrometric method 23 samples of mineral and thermal waters of Bosnia and Herzegovina were analyzed. Activity concentrations of the investigated radionuclides were in the range 12–346 mBq·L-1 for 40K, 1.1–791 mBq·L-1 for 226Ra, 0.2–221 mBq·L-1 for 228Ra, 13–367 mBq·L-1 for 238U, and 0.6–17 mBq·L-1 for 235U. For all investigated radionuclides annual effective dose was estimated. The estimated total annual committed effective dose received by population as a result of ingestion of water was in the range 0.11–2.51 μSv·y-1 for thermal water and in the range 0.11–38.8 μSv·y-1 for mineral water. Measurement of activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the examined samples was carried out with a gamma-spectrometer with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, having a relative efficiency of 70%

Predictive utility of prior positive urine culture of extended- spectrum β -lactamase producing strains.

Rising incidence of extended- spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) induced urinary tract infections (UTIs) is an increasing concern worldwide. Thus, it is of paramount importance to investigate novel approaches that can facilitate the identification and guide empiric antibiotic therapy in such episodes. The study aimed to evaluate the usability of antecedent ESBL-positive urine culture to predict the pathogenic identity of future ones. Moreover, the study evaluated the accuracy of selected empiric therapy in index episodes. This was a retrospective study that included 693 cases with paired UTI episodes, linked to two separate hospital admissions within 12 month-period, and a conditional previous ESBL positive episode. Pertinent information was obtained by reviewing patients' medical records and computerized laboratory results. Multivariate analysis showed that shorter interval between index and previous episodes was significantly associated with increased chance of ESBL-positive results in current culture (OR = 0.912, 95CI% = 0.863-0.963, p = 0.001). Additionally, cases with ESBL-positive results in current culture were more likely to have underlying urological/surgical condition (OR = 1.416, 95CI% = 1.018-1.969, p = 0.039). Investigations of the accuracy of current empirical therapy revealed that male patients were less accurately treated compared to female patients (OR = 0.528, 95CI% = 0.289-0.963, p = 0.037). Furthermore, surgical patients were treated less accurately compared to those treated in internal ward (OR = 0.451, 95CI% = 0.234-0.870, p = 0.018). Selecting an agent concordant with previous microbiologic data significantly increased the accuracy of ESBL-UTIs therapy (p<0.001). A quick survey of the previous ESBL urine culture results can guide practitioners in the selection of empiric therapy for the pending current culture and thus improve treatment accuracy

Determinants of antenatal care attendance among women residing in highly disadvantaged communities in northern Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background One of the major reproductive health challenges among disadvantaged populations is to provide pregnant women with the necessary antenatal care (ANC). In this study, we suggest applying an integrated conceptual framework aimed at ascertaining the extent to which attendance at ANC clinics may be attributed to individual determinants or to the quality of the care received. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from a sample of 831 women residing in nine sub-districts in three northern governorates of Jordan and designated according to national categorization as persistent poverty pockets. All of the sampled women were recruited from public maternal and child health centers and interviewed using a structured pre-tested survey. This tool covered certain predictors, ranging from the user’s attributes, including predisposing, enabling, and need factors, to the essential components of the experience of care. These components assessed the quality of ANC in terms of five elements: woman–provider relations, technical management, information exchange, continuity of care, and appropriate constellation of services. Adequate ANC content was assessed in relation to the frequency of antenatal visits and the time of each visit. Results The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses show that the use of ANC facilities is affected by various factors related to the quality of service delivery. These include receiving information and education on ANC during clinic visits (OR = 9.1; 95% CI = 4.9–16.9), providing pregnant women with opportunities for dialogue and health talks (OR = 7.2; 95% CI = 4.1–12.8), having scheduled follow-up appointments (OR = 6.5; 95% CI = 3.5–12.0), and offering dignified and respectful care (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.5–13.1). At the individual level, our findings have identified a woman’s education level (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1–1.3), desire for the pregnancy (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1–2.7), and living in a district served by an ANC clinic (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.3–8.1) as determinants affecting ANC utilization. Conclusion Taking women’s experiences of ANC as a key metric for reporting the quality of the care is more likely to lead to increased utilization of ANC services by women in highly disadvantaged communities. Our findings suggest that the degree to which women feel that they are respected, informed, and engaged in their care has potential favorable implications for ANC